Peak age for entrepreneurship: who cares?

March 1, 2012 · 1 min read

People love to talk about whether there is a peak age for entrepreneurship. Who wins, the 20-something just out of college with unlimited energy, no family or other obligations, who's too naïve to know what he can't do and isn't afraid to break the rules? Or the seasoned veteran who's already made his rookie mistakes, who brings experience, patience, wisdom, and maturity?

For investors, this is probably a fascinating topic. They see lots of pitches and have to use "pattern recognition" to decide whom to fund. Maybe age should play a role in their decisions (maybe not).

As an entrepreneur, I don't care, and neither should you.

As an entrepreneur, you don't get to choose how old you are. Your only choice is when to start your company. And when you have a vision you are passionate about, the best time is always now.

Don't worry about being too young. The worst thing that can happen is that you fail. If you do, no matter how hard you crash and burn, you will still have learned more than you ever could have through any other route.

Don't worry about being too old. You aren't getting any younger, and you're not dead yet. If you don't pursue your vision now, then when?

Let potential investors worry about how old you are. You have your eyes on your vision. Go out there and make it real.